Whoops, we detected that your browser does not have JavaScript, or it is disabled. Our product catalog requires that you
have JavaScript enabled to order products. Netscape and Microsoft
offer free browsers which support JavaScript. If you are using a JavaScript compliant browser and still have problems, make sure you
have JavaScript enabled in your browser's preferences.

IRON MAIDEN employed a variety of second guitarists throughout 1979. Paul Cairns, who was a member at the time of recording 'The Soundhouse Tapes', although had not performed on these tracks, was replaced by Paul Todd. This candidate was featured in a band photograph but his entire band tenure lasted a mere two days. Dave Mac was next in line, but his supposed timid nature onstage led to his rapid departure after just a handful of concerts.

Promoting 'The Soundhouse Tapes' EP, live shows at this point included a debut headliner at London's Marquee club, on October 19th 1979, with PRAYING MANTIS as support, plus a valuable support to MOTЦRHEAD. The 7" vinyl version of 'The Soundhouse Tapes' was officially released on November 9th. Interest was such that IRON MAIDEN began what was to be a lengthy relationship with EMI Records when the band, with Tony Parsons on second guitar at this point, scored two tracks on the 1979 NWoBHM compilation album 'Metal For Muthas'.

EMI Records signed the band in December 1979 following a further batch of sold out Marquee headliners, having by now enjoyed being championed by 'Sounds' and London based Rock Club DJ Neil Kay. IRON MAIDEN immediately entered EMI's Manchester Square Studios to cut tracks, 'Sanctuary' and 'Wrathchild', for inclusion on the 'Metal For Muthas' compilation album. However, in early 1980 Parsons was asked to leave and in came Dennis Stratton. And a further change came when Sampson left to be replaced by ex-SAMSON drummer Clive Burr.

Stratton pre-IRON MAIDEN had been involved with UNITED. This 1978 act, fronted by Stratton, featured the veteran Andy Pyle on bass (of THE KINKS, SAVOY BROWN, ALVIN LEE and JUICY LUCY), John Gosling on keyboards (THE KINKS) and drummer Ron Berg (SAVOY BROWN). When Stratton quit to join IRON MAIDEN Pyle, Berg and Gosling stuck together to create NETWORK. Previous to UNITED, Stratton was also playing the London clubs with REMUS DOWN BOULEVARD, this band including two live tracks on the 1978 album 'Live- A Week At The Bridge E16'.

IRON MAIDEN began their live action for the year by headlining the 'Metal For Muthas' tour, which comprised a bill featuring PRAYING MANTIS and local supports. These dates kicked off on February 1st at Aberdeen University running right through until March 2nd at Birmingham’s Top Rank Club. Their 'Running Free' debut single charted and IRON MAIDEN entered the history books by becoming the first band to perform live on 'Top Of The Pops' since THE WHO in 1973.

On March 7th 1980 IRON MAIDEN opened for JUDAS PRIEST's British tour at Cardiff University. Opinion during the tour was divided as to whether IRON MAIDEN were merely JUDAS PRIEST copyists or bona fide contenders, both Dianno and Murray in particular seemingly emulating their counterparts, Rob Halford and KK Downing, in the headline band in their choice of stage gear. However, enough fans were impressed to launch the debut IRON MAIDEN album. The self-titled outing, produced by Will Malone at Kingsway Studios in London was released in the aftermath of the JUDAS PRIEST dates on the 11th April and entered at number 4 in the British charts.

Leading up to 'Iron Maiden's release, the group had performed their inaugural major headlining show at London's Rainbow Theatre on April 1st, supported by PRAYING MANTIS once again. A brace of Marquee Club shows ensued on the 2nd and 3rd as a precursor to another landmark concert, Iron Maiden’s debut outside of the UK at the Wheel Pop festival in Kotrjik, Belgium on the 5th.

American editions of the album came with an extra track 'Sanctuary'. The band had re-recorded both 'Metal For Muthas' tracks for the debut album, 'Sanctuary' subsequently featuring a differently composed guitar solo from Dennis Stratton and adding a police siren effect. However, 'Sanctuary's supposed objectionable lyrics meant it would not see the light of day in the UK until a 1990 CD re-issue.

Flushed with success the band undertook a well attended 42 date headline British tour, once again with PRAYING MANTIS plus staunch disciple DJ Neal Kay as guests, commencing May 15th at Lincoln’s Drill Hall. A batch of early July Marquee Club stands saw support from RAVEN and FIST. Another first took place on July 19th, IRON MAIDEN performing in Scandinavia for the first time on a BAD MANNERS headed bill at the 'Kuusrock' festival in Oulu, Finland. IRON MAIDEN also put in a scorching performance at the annual Reading Rock Festival on August 23rd headlined by UFO before setting off on a tour of Europe opening for KISS, on the US outfit’s ‘Unmasked’ tour. This trek debuted the band into many more countries, such principal occasions including Castle St. Angelo in Rome, Italy on August 29th, the Messehalle in Nuremburg, Germany on September 11th, the Parc des Expositions in Avignon, France on the 23rd, Sankt Jacobshalle in Basel, Switzerland on the 29th, the Groenoordhal in Lieden, Holland on October 5th, the Eriksdalshallen in Stockholm, Sweden on the 9th, the Brшndbyhallen in Copenhagen, Denmark on the 9th and the Drammenshallen in Drammen, Norway on the 13th, the last concert by the band in this formation.

With little knowledge of IRON MAIDEN's turbulent past, it came as something of a surprise to many fans when the announcement came that Dennis Stratton had quit upon the KISS tour's completion and was replaced by ex-URCHIN and BROADWAY BRATS guitarist Adrian Smith. The new look Iron Maiden’s first performance came on November 8th for the ‘Rock Pop’ television show filmed in Munich, Germany. This change in the roster didn't stop the crowds from filling out a British headline tour, gearing up on November 21st at Uxbridge Brunel University, and sending another single. In a rare excursion for the band they had covered 'Women In Uniform', a track from the legendary Australian band SKYHOOKS.

'Women In Uniform' was also the sole studio track on the Japanese import 'Live!! + One' EP, the three live tracks ('Sanctuary', 'Phantom Of The Opera' and 'Drifter') having been recorded at a London Marquee show in July 1980.

IRON MAIDEN rounded off an eventful year in celebratory style with a gig at London’s Rainbow Theatre on December 21st. This show was filmed for the 'Iron Maiden' video, released in May 1981. However, technical difficulties onstage meant lucky fans attending on the night witnessed the group running through the set twice over in order to get a good take.